Don't hike minimum wage

Published: Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 12:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, February 15, 2013 at 4:22 p.m.

Editor: President Obama really must believe that the American public cannot think for themselves. He wants to raise the minimum wage up to $9 an hour, and this raise is nothing more than a tax increase with a different name. Here are some reason why this plan should be rejected:

First of all it is not government's business to set salary amounts for private business.

Second, studies have shown that as the forced minimum wage is raised the drive for further education is lower; why work hard and excel when your salary is guaranteed?

Third, when the forced minimum wage is raised businesses naturally raise the price of their products to compensate. Minimum wages, then, becomes a tax on the consumer.

Fourth, studies have shown that the high school dropout rate increases as young people are guaranteed a certain income level — again, the drive to excel is diminished.

Finally, if we want to increase the unemployment rate, let's continue to increase the minimum wage. Many businesses will simple lay off employees rather than raise their prices in order to stay competitive.

My question is this: Why in the world can't more of our "qualified" leaders understand these basic consequences of raising the minimum wage? Only one answer is feasible: Obama promotes this as a way to discredit the conservative Republicans and to divide America.

<p>Editor: President Obama really must believe that the American public cannot think for themselves. He wants to raise the minimum wage up to $9 an hour, and this raise is nothing more than a tax increase with a different name. Here are some reason why this plan should be rejected:</p><p>First of all it is not government's business to set salary amounts for private business.</p><p>Second, studies have shown that as the forced minimum wage is raised the drive for further education is lower; why work hard and excel when your salary is guaranteed?</p><p>Third, when the forced minimum wage is raised businesses naturally raise the price of their products to compensate. Minimum wages, then, becomes a tax on the consumer.</p><p>Fourth, studies have shown that the high school dropout rate increases as young people are guaranteed a certain income level — again, the drive to excel is diminished.</p><p>Finally, if we want to increase the unemployment rate, let's continue to increase the minimum wage. Many businesses will simple lay off employees rather than raise their prices in order to stay competitive. </p><p>My question is this: Why in the world can't more of our "qualified" leaders understand these basic consequences of raising the minimum wage? Only one answer is feasible: Obama promotes this as a way to discredit the conservative Republicans and to divide America.</p><p>Sid Stewart</p><p>Trinity</p>